Fit again, Boyd declares he’s right for another two years
BRONCOS skipper Darius Boyd has dismissed fears over his niggling hamstring injury, saying he is 100 per cent fit and capable of playing in the NRL for at least another two years.
The Broncos have received a huge boost ahead of tonight’s clash against Melbourne with fullback Boyd declaring he has finally conquered his injury demons as he prepares to take on Storm champion Billy Slater.
Boyd’s hamstring woes were laid bare when the Maroons ace could barely break into a stride in a 30-0 drubbing against the Storm in last year’s grand final qualifier at AAMI Park.
He then suffered a fresh hamstring setback in the pre-season, raising concerns as to whether he had the physical capacity to honour the four-year contract upgrade he inked last October.
In the opening month, Boyd, who turns 31 in July, lacked his usual backfield zip and appeared to lack confidence in his hamstrings. He is yet to score a try this season.
But as he plots atonement for Brisbane’s preliminary final horror show against eventual premiers the Storm, Boyd says he has a clean bill of health and will play on beyond this year.
“My hamstring is 100 per cent now, which is great,” he said.
“It’s been good for three or four weeks now. I’m really confident in my hamstrings and it’s just about doing my job within the team. It’s definitely good to have my body in shape again.”
If, as he hopes, Boyd can survive in the NRL until 2020, it will ensure he joins the NRL’s illustrious 300 club.
Tonight’s match at Suncorp Stadium will be Broncos custodian’s 274th in the top grade.
“It’s news to me about retiring this year ... I feel I have another couple of years left in me and I want to contribute and do my best for the team,” he said.